autumn berries
One of the biggest joys of early autumn days is the abundance of berries that are now more visible on our trees and shrubs.
Sitting on a bench in a park, catching the last rays of sunshine, I can easily spot the vibrant red and orange colours that are dotting the branches of many plants.
There are many varieties of trees and shrubs that we could incorporate into our planting designs that will bring this autumnal pop of intensive colour.
Rosa glauca, a Wild rose variety, is one example of a rose that not only has a much appreciated plum grey foliage, dressing long arching stems, but it produces small, single, pink flowers, that later in the season turn into copious display of red hips.
You might want to experiment with different varieties of roses and plant types with contrasting shapes and colours of hips. This simple trick will definitely enhance the planting design in your garden.
If you have space, you might want to incorporate some varieties of Hawthorn into your garden design.
Hawthorn will produce an abundance of dark red, edible berries in autumn and it suits many soil conditions, apart from the very wettest gardens. It can also grow in exposed sites and there are dwarf varieties, that will work in a small garden.
Moreover, if you want to divide your garden into sections and create more zones in your garden design, hawthorns are a good choice of shrub for creating a hedging or a simple windbreak.
To create an evergreen hedge that will bring interest during the autumn months Pyracantha is also a good choice. Be aware of the spiky branches though.
Always wear protective gloves. Despite its prickly character, this shrub will produce an abundance of jewel like, deep red or orange berries, that are adored by many birds.
And let’s not forget about our much-admired Rowans. There are varieties with pink, red, orange and even white coloured berries. So many to choose from!
Before you buy a Rowan tree think about how much space you really have. There are a couple of varieties that will suit perfectly into smaller garden design.
conclusion
Autumn berries on trees and shrubs are a fantastic addition into any garden planting.
They will come into their own when most perennials start losing their sharp look, with branches dressed with a beautiful display of jewel-like fruits.
Planting a couple of shrubs or trees with autumnal berries will not only make a good visual addition into your garden design, but it will provide food for many varieties of birds, further enhancing the positive feelings that your garden will provide.